Equipment storage device with integrated cooler

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, an equipment storage device includes a refreshment portion comprising an insulated cooler. The equipment storage device also includes an equipment portion coupled to the refreshment portion. The equipment portion defines a space for receiving at least a portion of equipment. Further, the equipment portion at least partially covers the portion of equipment when received within the space. Additionally, the equipment storage device includes a user attachment portion coupled to the refreshment portion. The user attachment portion includes straps for securing the device to a user&#39;s body. In one implementation, the device includes a pouch coupled to the refreshment portion. The pouch is configured to receive the equipment portion when the portion of equipment is not receiving within the space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/339,566, filed Mar. 5, 2010, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a device for storing equipment, andmore particularly to a transportable device for storing sportingequipment and cooling food items.

BACKGROUND

Participants in many recreational activities (e.g., sporting activities)requiring equipment (e.g., sporting equipment) often desire to transportrefreshments and accessories along with the equipment necessary for theactivity. Currently, such participants usually are relegated to carryingseparate bags, cases, or containers for each of the equipment,accessories, and refreshments. Transportation of separate bags torecreational activities can be tedious and burdensome to theparticipant, particularly when the recreational activity involves travelover relatively large distances. For example, a fisherman typicallydesires quick and easy access to a fishing pole, accessories (e.g.,tackle and personal items), and refreshments while fishing. However,fishermen often traverse long distances between fishing locations orholes, which can position themselves at a considerable distance awayfrom an original location. Accordingly, leaving accessories andrefreshments at the original location is not a desirable option shouldthe fisherman desire quick and easy access to the accessories andrefreshment. Thus, in order for a fisherman to maintain quick and easyaccess to equipment, accessories, and refreshments, the fisherman isrequired to pick up, carry, and set down separate bags or containerseach time the fisherman wishes to move to a new location. The samedifficulty applies to activities other than fishing, such as skiing,hiking, hunting, skateboarding, photography, and the like.

Associated with the transportation and storage of refreshments forconsumption during recreational activities is the inability of someequipment bags with refreshment space to adequately maintain therefreshments at a cool temperature. For example, some equipment bagsinclude non-insulated pockets that may contain refreshments, but do notact to keep the refreshments cool. Further, such pockets typically arenot rigid, and thus may fail to adequately protect or prevent damage torefreshments contained in the pockets.

Additionally, many bags, cases, and containers associated withrecreational equipment are not designed to be worn by a participantwhile participating in the corresponding recreational activity. Forexample, many conventional cases for carrying a fishing pole to afishing location typically are left behind (e.g., at an unpackinglocation) after the fishing pole is removed and while the fishermanfishes. However, some cases for transporting fishing poles are describedas being wearable by the fisherman after the fishing pole is removed andduring fishing activities. Although these latter cases may be wearable(e.g., convertible to be worn) by a user while fishing, the cases arebulky, cumbersome, uncomfortable, and detract from the enjoyment offishing.

Further, some allegedly wearable fishing pole cases are not outfitted tobe worn on a body of the fisherman in a hands-free manner while storinga fishing pole and while the fisherman is hiking to a fishing location.For example, one known fishing pole case must be held by the hand of afisherman while carrying the case and stored fishing pole to a fishinglocation because the case does not include a shoulder strap or otherconnector for facilitating attachment to the body, as opposed to thehands, of the fisherman.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need existsfor an equipment storage device that overcomes one or more of theabove-mentioned disadvantages of known equipment storage devices.Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure has beendeveloped to provide various embodiments of an equipment storage devicethat would allow for easy storage of one or more pieces of equipmentnecessary for a recreational activity, includes a food storage spacethat maintains refreshments at a cool temperature, is transportable onthe body of a user in a hand-free manner prior to, during, and after therecreational activity, and/or is wearable by a user during therecreational activity in a comfortable and convenient manner.

According to one embodiment, an equipment storage device includes arefreshment portion comprising an insulated cooler. The equipmentstorage device also includes an equipment portion coupled to therefreshment portion. The equipment portion defines a space for receivingat least a portion of equipment. Further, the equipment portion at leastpartially covers the portion of equipment when received within thespace. Additionally, the equipment storage device includes a userattachment portion coupled to the refreshment portion. The userattachment portion includes straps for securing the device to a user'sbody. In one implementation, the device includes a pouch coupled to therefreshment portion. The pouch is configured to receive the equipmentportion when the portion of equipment is not receiving within the space.

In some implementations, the device further includes a secondaryequipment portion movably coupled to the refreshment portion. Thesecondary equipment portion defines a compartment for receiving aremaining portion of the equipment. The portion of equipment receivablewithin the space can be a pole and reel of a fishing rod. The remainingportion of the equipment can be a handle of the fishing rod. The spacecan be a substantially narrow and elongate space. The equipment portioncan extend from a side of the refreshment portion and the secondaryequipment portion can be positionable over a top of the refreshmentportion. The secondary equipment portion can include a lid and thesecondary equipment portion can be pivotable relative to the refreshmentportion to cover and uncover an opening of the insulated cooler with thelid.

According to some implementations, the device includes an expandableportion coupled to the secondary equipment portion such that thesecondary equipment portion is positioned between the expandable portionand the refreshment portion. The expandable portion includes acompartment that is expandable from a first volume to a second volume.The straps of the device may include waist straps for extending about awaist of a user. In certain implementations, the device further includesa shoulder strap removably attachable to the waist straps. The secondaryequipment portion may include an opening in a side of the secondaryequipment portion through which the remaining portion of the equipmentis extendable.

In certain implementations, the pouch extends along a rear side of therefreshment portion between the straps. The equipment portion can befixedly attached to the refreshment portion. The equipment portion mayalso be deformable to wrap at least partially about the refreshmentportion and into the pouch. The insulated cooler can be a rigid box-likestructure. The insulated cooler is covered by a flexible fabric and theequipment portion is comprised of a flexible fabric. In someimplementations, the device includes at least two couplings configuredto receive corresponding couplings of a pair of suspenders.

According to yet another embodiment, a recreational equipment apparatusfor transporting recreational equipment and wearable by a user during arecreational activity corresponding with the recreational equipmentincludes a refreshment storage portion. The refreshment storage portionincludes an insulated cooler having an open top. The refreshment storageportion may also have a top coextensive with the open top of the cooler,opposing front and rear sides substantially transverse to the top, andopposing sides substantially transverse to the top and opposing frontand rear sides. The apparatus also includes a recreational equipmentstorage portion secured to one of the opposing sides and extending in adirection substantially transverse to the one of the opposing sides. Thefirst recreational equipment storage portion includes a first equipmentcompartment for storing a first portion of a piece of recreationalequipment. The apparatus further includes a lid pivotally coupled to thetop of the refreshment storage portion and pivotable between a closedposition substantially sealing the open top of the cooler and an openposition providing access to the cooler through the open top. The lidincludes a second recreational equipment compartment for storing asecond portion of the piece of recreational equipment when the lid is ina closed position. Additionally, the apparatus includes at least twospaced-apart straps extending from the rear side of the refreshmentportion. The straps are removably engageable to form a loop about thebody of a user. The apparatus also includes a sleeve coupled to the rearside of the refreshment portion between the at least two spaced-apartstraps. The sleeve defines a space for storing the equipment storageportion when the first equipment compartment is not storing the firstportion of the piece of recreational equipment.

In another embodiment, a method for transporting, storing, andsupporting objects associated with a recreational activity includesproviding an equipment storage device. The equipment storage deviceincludes a refreshment portion having an insulated cooler, an equipmentportion coupled to the refreshment portion. The equipment portiondefines a first equipment compartment. The device also includes a lidcoupled to the refreshment portion where the lid includes a secondequipment compartment, a user attachment portion coupled to therefreshment portion, and a pouch coupled to the refreshment portion. Themethod includes positioning a first portion of a piece of recreationalequipment into the first equipment compartment. With the lid sealing anopening of the insulated cooler, the method includes positioning asecond portion of the piece of recreational equipment into the secondequipment compartment such that the lid is positioned between the secondportion of the piece of recreational equipment and the opening of theinsulated cooler. Additionally, with the lid sealing the opening of theinsulated cooler, the method includes removing the first portion of thepiece of recreational equipment from the first equipment compartment andremoving the second portion of the piece of recreational equipment fromthe second equipment compartment. After removing the first and secondportions of the piece of recreational equipment, the method includesinserting the equipment portion into the pouch. The method also includesengaging the user attachment portion to secure the equipment storagedevice to a user such that the pouch and equipment portion insertedtherein are between the user and the refreshment portion.

In certain implementations, the method includes opening the lid toaccess the insulated cooler while the equipment storage device issecured to the user. While the first portion of the piece ofrecreational equipment is positioned into the first equipmentcompartment and the second portion of the piece of recreationalequipment is positioned into the second equipment compartment, themethod may further include engaging the user attachment portion tosecure the equipment storage device about a shoulder of the user.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the subject matter of the present disclosureshould be or are in any single embodiment of the subject matter. Rather,language referring to the features and advantages is understood to meanthat a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described inconnection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment ofthe subject matter of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of thefeatures and advantages, and similar language, throughout thisspecification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristicsof the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in anysuitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. Inthe following description, numerous specific details are provided toimpart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter ofthe present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practicedwithout one or more of the specific features, details, components,materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation.In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognizedin certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present inall embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter ofthe present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subjectmatter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, or may be learned by thepractice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure will be readily understood, a more particular description ofthe subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by referenceto specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of thesubject matter of the present disclosure and are not therefore to beconsidered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of an equipment storage deviceaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the equipment storage device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the equipment storage device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the equipment storage device of FIG.1 shown with a cooler cover opened;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the equipment storage device of FIG.1 shown with an expandable storage compartment in an expanded state;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an equipment storage deviceshowing the relative positioning between a piece of sporting equipmentstored by the device and a refreshment cooler contained within thedevice according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is frontal perspective view of an equipment storage device forstoring an alternative piece of equipment according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter of thepresent disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “inan embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may,but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, theuse of the term “implementation” means an implementation having aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith one or more embodiments of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicateotherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or moreembodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of an equipment storage device 5includes a refreshment portion 10 coupled to a recreational equipmentportion 12. Generally, the refreshment portion 10 defines a refreshmentcompartment 50 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) for storing refreshments (e.g., foodand beverages 28). The refreshment compartment 50 is defined betweenfour side panels 52, a bottom panel 54, and a top cover or lid 56defined by an auxiliary equipment portion 14. The top cover 56 coversthe refreshment compartment 50 in a closed position (see, e.g., FIG. 1)and allows access to the refreshment compartment in an open position(see, e.g., FIG. 4). Further, the top cover 56 is removably securable tothe four side panels 52 in the closed position to seal, or otherwiseprevent access to, the refreshment compartment 50. In the illustratedembodiment, the top cover 56 is removably securable to the four sidepanels 52 via a zipper mechanism 18 having two opposing strips 60, 62each secured to opposing edges of the side panels 52 and top cover 56(see FIG. 4). The zipper mechanism 18 includes a slider 64 that ismovable along the opposing zipper strips 60, 62 of the zipper mechanism18 to engage and disengage mateable teeth of the zipper strips, as iscommonly known in the art, to respectively seal and unseal the top coverfrom the side panels.

Preferably, the refreshment compartment 50 is insulated to maintainrefreshments stored in the compartment at a cool temperature.Accordingly, referring to the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 6,the refreshment portion 10 includes a cooler 70 positioned within therefreshment compartment 50. In certain implementations, the cooler 70 isa rigid container or box-like structure defining an interior space 72within which refreshments, such as refreshments 28 of FIG. 6, arepositionable. However, in other implementations, the cooler 70 can be atleast partially flexible (e.g., collapsible) without departing from theessence of the subject matter of the present disclosure. For someflexible cooler implementations, the cooler 70 can be integrated intothe sidewalls 52 and bottom wall 54 such that the sidewalls 52 andbottom wall 54 include inner and outer fabric layers between which aflexible insulation layer is positioned. In certain implementations, thecooler 70 is easily removable from the refreshment portion 10 forcleaning and/or other desired uses, and easily reinsertable back intothe refreshment portion. The cooler 70 is configured to receive a heatabsorber, such as ice, an ice pack, refrigerant (e.g., gel), or liquiddesigned to keep cool food or beverages within the cooler.

Preferably, the shape and size of the interior space 72 of the cooler 70corresponds with the shape and size of the refreshment compartment 50.The cooler 70 includes four sidewalls 74, a bottom wall 76, and an opentop 78. The sidewalls 74 and bottom wall 76 provide insulation to resistthe transfer of heat from outside of the interior space 72 to within theinterior space. In certain implementations, the sidewalls 74 and bottomwall 76 are made from a polymer with a thickness sufficient toeffectively insulate the interior space 72. For example, in someimplementations, the sidewalls 74 and bottom wall 76 may be made from apolyurethane rigid panel, polystyrene foam board, and/or other similarinsulating material. In some implementations, the sidewalls 74 andbottom wall 76 include an inner and outer semi-insulating layer madefrom a first material, such as a hard plastic, and an insulation layermade from a hard or soft insulating material between the inner and outerlayers. Additionally, the top cover 56 can be made from an insulationmaterial to resist the transfer of heat from outside of the interiorspace 72, through the open top 78, and into the interior space when inthe closed position. In certain implementations, the cooler 70 isremovable from the refreshment compartment 50 for cleaning or for otheruse.

The device 5 may additionally include a front pocket 11 secured to afront side panel 52 of the refreshment portion 10. The front pocket 11can have any of various shapes and be accessible via an opening that isclosable via an attachment mechanism, such as zipper mechanism 21. Thefront pocket 11 can be used to store any of various objects,accessories, and/or personal items.

The recreational equipment portion 12 is configured to receive andretain one or more pieces of recreational equipment (e.g., sportingequipment). Generally, the recreational equipment portion 12 has a shapecorresponding with a shape of the recreational equipment to be retainedwithin the recreational equipment portion. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the recreational equipment portion 12 has asubstantially elongate shape to receive and retain a fishing rod.Alternatively, the recreational equipment portion of the storage devicecan be shaped differently depending on the type of recreationalequipment being stored. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a storagedevice 105 includes a recreational equipment portion 112 and anauxiliary recreational equipment portion 114 shaped to receive a tennis,racquetball, badminton, and/or other type of racket. The recreationalequipment portion 112 defines a compartment having the shape of a shaftand handle of a racket and the auxiliary recreational equipment portion114 defines a compartment having the shape of a head of the racket. Itis recognized that the recreational equipment portion described hereincan have any of various shapes corresponding with any ofvariously-shaped recreational or non-recreational equipment withoutdeparting from the essence of the present disclosure.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the recreational equipment portion 12 includesan opening 17 that is selectively closable and openable via anattachment mechanism, such as a zipper mechanism 82. The opening 17 canbe opened to gain access to a recreational equipment compartment 80defined within the recreational equipment portion 12. Once accessible, apiece of recreational equipment, such as a fishing rod, can be placedwithin the compartment 80 for transportation purposes prior to use, orremoved from the compartment 80 for use following transportation. Whenthe recreational equipment is removed for use or stored fortransportation, the opening 17 can be closed via engagement of theattachment mechanism. To facilitate retention of the equipment withinthe compartment 80 during transportation or storage, the recreationalequipment portion 12 may include opposing tabs 84 on each side of therecreational equipment portion. The tabs 84 are securable to each other,such as via a snap button 85, Velcro®, or other attachment mechanism, torelieve at least some of the pressure a stored piece of equipment mayimpart on the zipper mechanism 82 during transportation of the equipment(see FIG. 4). Additionally, the tabs 84 help to cover or protect theequipment if a portion of the equipment extends out of the compartment80 and into an auxiliary compartment above the refreshment portion 10.

In certain embodiments, the recreational equipment portion 12 mayinclude other compartments in addition to the recreational equipmentcompartment 80. For example, the recreational equipment portion 12 mayinclude an accessories compartment that is accessible by opening a flap13 formed in a sidewall of the equipment portion (see FIG. 1). The flap13 may be openable and closable via an attachment mechanism, such aszipper mechanism 22. The accessories compartment may be open to orpartitioned from (e.g., via an internal wall) the recreational equipmentcompartment 80. When the recreational equipment is removed from therecreational equipment portion 12, the accessories compartment can beused to store any of various accessories as desired by a user. Even whenthe recreational equipment portion 12 is stored in the storage pouch orsleeve 140, as will be described in more detail below, the flap 13 ofthe accessories compartment remains accessible to a user (e.g., is notstored within the sleeve 140) for the storage of accessories.

The equipment storage device 5 may also include an auxiliaryrecreational equipment portion 14 positioned adjacent (e.g., above) therefreshment portion 10. The auxiliary recreational equipment portion 14is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the refreshment portion 10 toopen and close the refreshment compartment 50. More specifically, theauxiliary equipment portion 14 includes the top cover 56 of therefreshment compartment 50, which simultaneously acts as a bottom panelof the auxiliary equipment portion. The auxiliary equipment portion 14is coupled to the refreshment portion 10 along a back side panel 52 ofthe refreshment portion 10. The coupling 88 between the auxiliaryequipment portion 14 and refreshment portion 10 facilitates pivoting ofthe auxiliary equipment portion relative to the refreshment portion. Incertain embodiments, the coupling between the auxiliary equipmentportion 14 and refreshment portion 10 is simply a sewed seam between theportions. In alternative embodiments, a length of material, such asfabric or plastic, is positioned between the two portions 10, 14 tofacilitate repeated pivotal movement between the two portions.

The auxiliary equipment portion 14 defines an auxiliary equipmentcompartment 93 sized and shaped to receive a portion of equipment storedwithin the main recreational equipment compartment 80. Generally, theauxiliary equipment compartment 93 is defined between the top cover 56(which acts as a bottom cover for the compartment 93), sidewalls 92, anda top cover 94. The top cover 94 is movable relative to the sidewalls 92to open and close a top opening to the compartment 93. In a similarmanner as discussed above, the top cover 94 can be attachable to thesidewalls 92 to close the top opening and partially detachable to thesidewalls to open the top opening via an attachment mechanism, such as azipper mechanism 19. At least a portion of a sidewall 92 facing therecreational equipment compartment 80 is open to receive a portion ofequipment stored within the compartment 80. As shown in FIG. 6, thesidewall 92 facing the compartment 80 includes an opening 96 throughwhich a handle 28 of a fishing rod 27 passes through when stored in theauxiliary equipment compartment. In this manner, when stored by thedevice 5, the handle 28 is positioned above the refreshment portion 10,but does not conflict with the sealing engagement between the top cover56 and the sidewalls 52 of the refreshment portion. The auxiliaryequipment compartment 93 is accessible by detaching and pivoting the topcover 94 from the sidewalls 92 to expose the compartment 93.Accordingly, when the fishing rod 27 is to be removed from the device 5,the auxiliary equipment compartment 93 can be accessed and the handle 28removed without opening the refreshment compartment 50.

In some embodiments, the equipment storage device 5 can include anexpandable portion 15 that defines an expandable compartment 95.Generally, the expandable compartment 95 is defined between the topcover 94 (which acts as a bottom cover of the compartment 95), fixedsidewalls 100, expandable sidewalls 102, and top cover 104. The topcover 94 and expandable sidewalls 102 are collectively movable (e.g.,pivotable) relative to the fixed sidewalls 100 to open and close anopening to the compartment 95. The top cover 94 and expandable sidewalls102 can be attachable to the fixed sidewalls 102 to close the opening tothe compartment 95 and partially detachable from the fixed sidewalls 102to open the opening via an attachment mechanism, such as a zippermechanism 108. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, in a collapsed or non-expandedstate, the expandable sidewalls 102 are collapsed (e.g., folded uponitself) such that the size or usuable volume of the expandablecompartment 95 is at a minimum. However, as shown in FIG. 5, in anexpanded or non-collapsed state, the expandable sidewalls 102 areexpanded or straightened to increase the size or usuable volume of theexpandable compartment 95 to a maximum size or volume. The expandableportion 15 is covertable between the collapsed and expanded states byactuation of an attachment mechanism, such as zipper mechanism 20. Thezipper mechanism 20 includes two opposing strips 110, 112 that extendabout an entire periphery of the expandable portion 15. Each strip 110,112 is fixed to the expandable portion 15 on opposite sides of theexpandable sidewalls 102 such that when the mateable teeth of the zipperstrips are disengaged, the expandable sidewalls can be expanded into thestraightened state shown in FIG. 5 from the folded state shown in FIG.6. Similarly, the mateable teeth of the zipper strips 110, 112 can beengaged to force the expandable sidewalls 102 into the collapsed state.

The equipment storage device 5 also includes a user attachment portion120 configured to facilitate secure attachment of the device to a userduring transportation of recreational equipment and/or during arecreational activity that utilizes the recreational equipment. The userattachment portion 120 includes two hip tabs 122 coupled to andextending from the refreshment compartment 50. The two hip tabs 122 arespaced-apart and positioned proximate a back side panel of therefreshment compartment 50. The user attachment portion 120 alsoincludes two straps 124 attached to respective hip tabs 122. Each strap124 includes an adjustable coupling 126. The couplings 126 of the straps124 are matingly engageable with each other to couple the straps 124together to define a continuous loop with the refreshment portion andtabs 122. The positioning of the couplings 126 along the straps 124 areadjustable to adjust the circumference of the defined loop. Theequipment storage device 5 is wearable about a waist of a user bypositioning the straps about the user and matingly engaging thecouplings 126. Preferably, the two hip tabs 122 rest on the user's hipsto comfortably distribute the weight of the device 5 to the user's body.In certain embodiments, the straps may be configured to form a harnessthat is securable to the user's body.

Alternatively, the equipment storage device 5 can be worn about ashoulder of a user instead of the waist as desired. In oneimplementation, the length of the straps 124 and positioning of thecouplings 126 can be configured to form a loop large enough to wraparound a user's shoulder. In certain implementations, the loop is largeenough such that the loop wraps about the user's shoulder and across theuser's body. To facilitate a quick and efficient transition betweenwearing of the equipment storage device 5 about the user's waist andshoulder, a secondary strap 128 with opposing couplings 130 can be used(see, e.g., FIG. 2). The couplings 130 are positioned on opposing endsof the secondary strap 128 with each being matingly engageable with arespective one of the couplings 126. By matingly engaging the couplings130 of the secondary strap 128 to the couplings 126, the circumferenceof the defined loop is immediately increased from a dimension forwearing about a waist of a user to a dimension sufficient for wearingabout a shoulder of a user. In certain implementations, the position ofthe couplings 130 on the secondary strap 128 may be adjustable.

In one embodiment, a user wears the equipment storage device 5 about theuser's shoulder when transporting recreational equipment to a locationfor use of the equipment. Once the equipment is removed from the device5, the device 5 is worn about the user's waist and worn during therecreational activity. When worn by a user, the refreshment portion 10can be positioned adjacent a user's backside or frontside based on theuser's preference. Generally, when transporting recreational equipmentand during the recreational activity, the refreshment portion 10 ispositioned adjacent or proximate the user's backside. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the device 5 includes couplings 150configured to receive associated rear couplings on a pair of suspenders(not shown). Additional couplings 151 can be positioned on the straps124 to receive associated front couplings of the suspenders. In thismanner, a user can wear the device 5 using the user attachment portion120, suspenders, or both.

To facilitate wearing of the equipment storage device 5 during arecreational activity, the device include a storage pouch or sleeve 140integrated into the refreshment portion 12 to store the recreationalequipment portion 12 of the device when empty. Referring to FIGS. 2-5,the storage pouch 140 is secured to a rear side panel 52 of therefreshment portion 12 and extends across a rear side of the device. Insome instances, the storage pouch 140 may be secured, at leastpartially, to the auxiliary equipment portion 14 and/or expandableportion 15. The storage pouch 140 defines a space 142 defined between anouter panel 144 of the pouch and a rear side of the recreationalequipment portion 12. The space 142 is sufficiently sized to receive atleast a portion of the recreational equipment portion 12. As shown, thespace 142 has a substantially semi-circular, or semi-oblong, shapedcross-sectional shape. However, the space 142 can have any of variouscross-sectional shapes. The outer panel 144 of the pouch 140 can be alength of flexible fabric secured to the refreshment portion 10 atopposite sides of the fabric. Alternatively, the pouch 140 can include arigid outer panel that defines the space 142. As shown, the space 142 isopen-ended on both ends. However, in other embodiments, one end of thespace 142 may be closed while the opposite end is open.

When a piece of recreational equipment (e.g., a fishing pole) is removedfrom the recreational equipment portion 12, the recreational equipmentportion 12 goes limp and would otherwise downwardly hang from therefreshment portion 10. To remove possibility of the unused recreationequipment portion 12 acting as an obstruction while the device 5 isbeing worn by a user, the user can deform and insert the unusedequipment portion into the space 142 defined by the pouch 140 as shownin FIG. 5. As illustrated, the user can fold the equipment portion 12and neatly insert it into the pouch 140. Alternatively, the user canstuff the equipment portion 12 into the pouch 140. When stored in thepouch 140, the end of the equipment portion 12 attached to therefreshment portion 10 remains attached. Accordingly, to position theequipment portion 12 for insertion into the pouch 140, the equipmentportion can be bent or folded proximate the attachment to therefreshment portion as shown in FIG. 5. With the equipment portion 12stored in the pouch 140, not only is the unused equipment portionpositioned out of the way of the user, but the inserted, folded, and/orstuffed unused equipment portion can be used as a cushion against theuser's body to promote comfort while the device 5 is worn.

The various portions (e.g., refreshment portion 10, equipment storageportion 12, auxiliary recreational equipment portion 14, expandableportion 15, and tabs 122) of the equipment storage device 5 can formedwith an outer flexible covering, such as a fabric. In someimplementations, the outer flexible covering of the portions of thedevice 5 is water-resistant or water-proof.

The subject matter of the present disclosure may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from its spirit or essentialcharacteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of theinvention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than bythe foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

1. An equipment storage device, comprising: a refreshment portioncomprising an insulated cooler; an equipment portion coupled to therefreshment portion, the equipment portion defining a space forreceiving at least a portion of equipment, wherein the equipment portionat least partially covers the portion of equipment when received withinthe space; and a user attachment portion coupled to the refreshmentportion, the user attachment portion comprising straps for securing thedevice to a user's body.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising apouch coupled to the refreshment portion, the pouch configured toreceive the equipment portion when the portion of equipment is notreceiving within the space.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprisinga secondary equipment portion movably coupled to the refreshmentportion, the secondary equipment portion defining a compartment forreceiving a remaining portion of the equipment.
 4. The device of claim3, wherein the portion of equipment receivable within the spacecomprises a pole and reel of a fishing rod, and the remaining portion ofthe equipment comprises a handle of the fishing rod, and wherein thespace is a substantially narrow and elongate space.
 5. The device ofclaim 3, wherein the equipment portion extends from a side of therefreshment portion and the secondary equipment portion is positionableover a top of the refreshment portion.
 6. The device of claim 3, whereinthe secondary equipment portion comprises a lid, the secondary equipmentportion being pivotable relative to the refreshment portion to cover anduncover an opening of the insulated cooler with the lid.
 7. The deviceof claim 3, further comprising an expandable portion coupled to thesecondary equipment portion such that the secondary equipment portion ispositioned between the expandable portion and the refreshment portion,the expandable portion comprising a compartment that is expandable froma first volume to a second volume.
 8. The device of claim 3, wherein thestraps comprise waist straps for extending about a waist of a user. 9.The device of claim 8, further comprising a shoulder strap removablyattachable to the waist straps.
 10. The device of claim 3, wherein thesecondary equipment portion comprises an opening in a side of thesecondary equipment portion through which the remaining portion of theequipment is extendable.
 11. The device of claim 2, wherein the pouchextends along a rear side of the refreshment portion between the straps.12. The device of claim 2, wherein the equipment portion is fixedlyattached to the refreshment portion, and wherein the equipment portionis deformable to wrap at least partially about the refreshment portionand into the pouch.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the insulatedcooler comprises a rigid box-like structure.
 14. The device of claim 1,wherein the insulated cooler is covered by a flexible fabric and theequipment portion is comprised of a flexible fabric.
 15. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising at least two couplings configured to receivecorresponding couplings of a pair of suspenders.
 16. A recreationalequipment apparatus for transporting recreational equipment and wearableby a user during a recreational activity corresponding with therecreational equipment, comprising: a refreshment storage portioncomprising an insulated cooler having an open top, the refreshmentstorage portion having a top coextensive with the open top of thecooler, opposing front and rear sides substantially transverse to thetop, and opposing sides substantially transverse to the top and opposingfront and rear sides; a recreational equipment storage portion securedto one of the opposing sides and extending in a direction substantiallytransverse to the one of the opposing sides, the first recreationalequipment storage portion comprising a first equipment compartment forstoring a first portion of a piece of recreational equipment; a lidpivotally coupled to the top of the refreshment storage portion andpivotable between a closed position substantially sealing the open topof the cooler and an open position providing access to the coolerthrough the open top, wherein the lid comprises a second recreationalequipment compartment for storing a second portion of the piece ofrecreational equipment when the lid is in a closed position; at leasttwo spaced-apart straps extending from the rear side of the refreshmentportion, the straps being removably engageable to form a loop about thebody of a user; and a sleeve coupled to the rear side of the refreshmentportion between the at least two spaced-apart straps, the sleevedefining a space for storing the equipment storage portion when thefirst equipment compartment is not storing the first portion of thepiece of recreational equipment.
 17. A method for transporting, storing,and supporting objects associated with a recreational activity,comprising: providing an equipment storage device comprising arefreshment portion having an insulated cooler, an equipment portioncoupled to the refreshment portion, the equipment portion defining afirst equipment compartment, a lid coupled to the refreshment portion,the lid comprising a second equipment compartment, a user attachmentportion coupled to the refreshment portion, and a pouch coupled to therefreshment portion; positioning a first portion of a piece ofrecreational equipment into the first equipment compartment; with thelid sealing an opening of the insulated cooler, positioning a secondportion of the piece of recreational equipment into the second equipmentcompartment such that the lid is positioned between the second portionof the piece of recreational equipment and the opening of the insulatedcooler; with the lid sealing the opening of the insulated cooler,removing the first portion of the piece of recreational equipment fromthe first equipment compartment and removing the second portion of thepiece of recreational equipment from the second equipment compartment;after removing the first and second portions of the piece ofrecreational equipment, inserting the equipment portion into the pouch;and engaging the user attachment portion to secure the equipment storagedevice to a user such that the pouch and equipment portion insertedtherein are between the user and the refreshment portion.
 18. The methodof claim 17, further comprising opening the lid to access the insulatedcooler while the equipment storage device is secured to the user. 19.The method of claim 17, wherein while the first portion of the piece ofrecreational equipment is positioned into the first equipmentcompartment and the second portion of the piece of recreationalequipment is positioned into the second equipment compartment, themethod further comprising engaging the user attachment portion to securethe equipment storage device about a shoulder of the user.